It is a common tradition in Russia and Asia for the bride and groom to take wedding
photographs in scenic places. In Kaliningrad wedding parties usually come to Kant’s tomb to lay flowers and drink champagne. The performance of Shahram Entekhabi
focuses on this phenomenon. The artist visits Kant’s tomb with 72 “virgins”, to accompany him in paradise as was promised to martyrs in some interpretations of Islamic teachings. The women, of all shapes and sizes, are dressed in black dresses, each with a white flower in hand.

Similar to Shahram Entekhabi’s previous projects, the 72 Virgins photograph and performance-video features the artist deconstructing the stereotype of ‘The Other’, migrant foreigners and those on the periphery of society. In doing so, 72 Virgins highlights the clichés about Muslims by casting a critical view to notions of masculinity. It also questions the ideals and realities of roles and promises as (mis)interpreted and instrumentalized by ideology, religious discourse and society to rally and recruit people for political gain.

Special thanks to 72 participants – beautiful inhabitants of Kaliningrad.